Digest- March 2026
“Digest”. – March, 2026
Last month’s Meeting:
We had a successful 39th AGM which was better attended than our previous ones, and we enjoyed a good buffet tea. A good number of our Members renewed their Membership of the Campaign, and hopefully a few more will do so before too long.
We were fortunate to have Ashley, Service Lead from South East Essex Care Co-ordination Service who gave us an interesting talk about their work locally. They are based in Rochford Hospital and work mainly from their office, from where they guide people in need of care.
Another guest was John Booth who does pop-up Energy Clinics in the local area. He spoke about the various ways we may save energy, and the different organisations who offer help and guidance on the issue.
The current Committee was re-elected en – mass, and Jill Allen- King was re- appointed as President. The
Officer’s Reports were accepted by the Membership.
In Committee:
Our Chair, Jean Howes opened by reporting back on the much improved new A5 flyers which are now printed and will be seen at our monthly Meeting. We hope Members may be able to deliver perhaps one road in their local area. We shall see what response we gain from local residents, before we order more. We also now have new posters which are much more attractive and up- to- date.
We decided to invite Jamie from SAVS to our August Meeting which will be an “Open Forum” event where Members are invited to raise issues that concern them.
The Committee Elected the Officers as follows:- Chair; Jean Howes: Deputy Chair; Issy Isaacs: Secretary; Sue Stacey: Treasurer; Bob Howes:
We still need a Membership Officer which does not entail much work. Both our Treasurer, Bob and Lottery organiser, Margaret are hoping to retire this year, and need volunteers to shadow them before replacing them.
Due to the coming rise in the cost of postage stamps, we are going to buy 50 2nd class stamps.
We agreed that our Friendship Lunch should be held at “The Shore House”
on Wednesday, 1st. April, but we’ve just learnt that they are fully booked!
It will now be held at “Strawberry Fields” which is in Westcliff near to the large Tesco store on the A127.
Campaigning:
We continue to campaign for an Older Person’ Champion be appointed by the Southend City Council.
Most of our Membership are not reporting issues concerning the pavements being kept clear of vehicles, rubbish and bins. Our pavements are part of the King’s Highway, and pedestrian’s now have top priority over other users of the highway. Maybe your local pavements
are clear of any obstacles, or perhaps you are happy to squeeze past them.
We need to consider other local issues which are worth campaigning on.
NPC Report:
The Senior Executives of the National Pensioners Convention met in London in London on Tuesday, 24th February, to discuss their future.
The London Regional Secretary, Barry Todman tells me that they decided that they would endeavour to pay off their debts before moving on to become a Company, Limited by Guarantee.
As an affiliated group to NPC, we are entitled to continue to exist if the organisation is dissolved. As Affiliates, we are autonomous, and we would have to decide how, or if we proceed.
Southend Kursaal:
Good to hear that the Kursaal will be regenerated by Star Amusements. Let’s hope that due diligence has been done to ensure that they have sufficient capital.
Dates for your Diary:
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm till 4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend. SS2. Tickets £10-£15.
Southend Central Museum. Victoria Avenue, Southend. The Princely Burial. A permanent exhibition.
Southend Council Concert Series. Monthly serious music concerts continue, but the venues now alternate. Friday evenings. From 8pm. Book by phone 01702. 215011.
Wednesday, 1st April SDPC Friendship Lunch: from12.30pm.at “Strawberry Fields” near the large Tesco store in Westcliff. £18. Contact Margaret Haydon on 07814 714 937 to book.
Saturday, 4th April. Trust Links. Easter Egg Trail, Canvey. 11 till 2.
Wednesday, 15th April: SDPC Monthly Meeting: 2pm to 4pm. Speaker: Ladybirds Song Group. Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 7AU.
Tuesday, 21st. April. Spring Social, at the Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff. Noon till 4 pm. Includes light buffet lunch and tour. Contact Sue Stacey on 07957 725647 to book your place before 10th April. Free.
Editorial Plea. If you, or anyone you know, has unwanted Netherlands postage stamps, please bring them to a Meeting, as I will pay cash. Any I cannot use will be donated to charity.
Please send any items for publication in your “Digest” to Bob Howes (Editor) Email: howes01702@outlook.com